Gears 5 Launch Maps

Today, we’re excited to reveal our Launch Map lineup for
Gears 5!

In Gears 5, we’ve set out to build the most diverse lineup
of maps for Versus and Horde, with an increased focus on dynamic map elements
that spice up the battlefield and break-the-mold maps like our two-lane map Exhibit.

In addition to the classic, Versus and Horde arena-style
Maps, we also are launching with 4 Hive-style maps for Escape mode. In total
there are 11 Maps at launch, with more coming post launch.

Here’s your first look at the launch maps for Gears 5.

Arena-Style Maps

Asylum

Asylum is a classic-style Gears map, with strong fronts
across all three lanes and imposing architecture set during a dark night.

A New COG Transit Line has been installed on the outskirts
of the asylum. These trains stop for no one, so if you get in their way, the
Train will always be the one to come out on top. Always.

The middle offers a tight lane with multiple spaces for
rifle play and intense Gnasher fights, with a hop-over flank to the train
tracks. Above it stands an imposing bridge, offering sightlines for support
play but at the risk of a quick flank from your enemy.

Bunker

Bunker is a larger scale Gears map set in a Pendulum Wars
base that’s defined by its namesake – a huge Bunker that towers over the
battlefield.

If you make it up the imposing hill with only Dragons Teeth
for cover, prepare for a hard fight across the Bunker’s lower entryways and
atop the battlements to earn a strong rifle position for the fights down below.

On the lower half of the map, two destroyed buildings overlook an old ammunition loading conveyor system that harbors valuable weapons to mount your counter-attack and retake the Bunker.

District

As seen in the Gears 5 Tech Test, District is a Gears street
fight set in the glitzy entertainment district of a New COG Settlement.

The cinema is all about up-close and personal combat where
only the brave will come out on top. The middle of the map is defined by the
Juice Bar and Info Center, with fierce combat with constantly shifting fronts
around the fountain and planters in the main street.

On the lower half of the map, the Arcade and Hotel present a
face-to-face showdown with long sightlines and plenty of cover. Those brave
enough to take the Bandstand secure a strong flank into the main street, but at
the risk of huge blindspots for your own flanks.

Exhibit

Fight among the “Denizens of the Hollow” in a two-lane map
set in a New COG Museum. The top corridor of the map hosts a laser security
system to guard the most valuable exhibits.

These dynamic lasers trigger when anyone enters the
corridor, activating after a short charge and killing anything they touch as
they sweep the corridor. With patterns that change after every sweep, you’ll
need to keep a close eye on their formation to make sure you dodge them – or
pay the price.

Battle through the winding halls of the museum takes place
across two levels, with tight intense combat throughout the spaces.

Icebound

Built in the remains of the Riftworm, this Outsider Trading
post is built on the shores of a frozen lake. The ice on the lake can be
destroyed, exposing the freezing waters that will slow, damage and kill anyone
who tries to brave the freezing temperatures for more than a second.

Savvy players will use the ice to their advantage to secure
kills and deny enemy flanking routes. The two towers either side of the lake
offer strong positions, with a highly exposed pipeline route between them* if
you dare to take it.

On the far side, the rocky outcrops and main Trading Post
building entices close range combat underneath the overhang of an icy cliff-face.

* This
route is blocked and cannot be used in Escalation

Training Grounds

Also seen in the Gears 5 Tech Test, this DB Industries
testing facility is built in the shadow of the House of Sovereigns.

Three raised areas offer clear sightlines and strong rifle
positions across the map. The Firing Range in the center has multiple points of
entry and limited cover from the positions above – get in and get out.

On the far side of the map, an old building held up by New
COG Support structures plays host to another great position and an intense
fight over a power weapon in it’s rear.

Vasgar

Vasgar is a circular asymmetric map set in a dilapidated
Vasgari airport, reclaimed by the red sand dunes surrounding it – as featured
at gamescom.

Combat in Vasgar centers around the crater of sandglass
found in the middle, with two strong defensive bases at either end that offer
perfect sniping positions for the Longshot that spawns there. The two flanking
routes offer a classic mix of rifle and Gnasher play, and winning here earns
you a one-way drop down flank into the center lane*

*In King
of the Hill, this dropdown is removed and replaced with a flat entry point into
the middle allowing traversal both ways.

Launch
Hives

The Hive

An epic Escape from the depths of a Swarm hive, first
featured at E3. Navigate the maze to find the way out.

The Descent

A longer, three act hive, where players must fight their way
down to the caves, and then back up again.

The Mines

The first Hive to feature a choice. Which path will you
choose to set the fastest time? Fight your way to the branch and choose your fate.

The Gauntlet

To survive this intense, one-act Hive, players must survive
three large fights with the Venom at their back.

New Hives will be arriving almost weekly, and with 50+ tiles
available at launch, we can’t wait to see what Escape Maps YOU make!

Private Play Maps

Update:
8/29

In
addition to our 7 launch maps, 5 enhanced Gears of War 4 maps will be available
in Gears 5 exclusively for Private Play across all modes.

These
classic maps will not be in any matchmaking playlists, but can be used in
Custom Lobbies (both discoverable and Private) if you want to play on some past
favorites!

Here
are the 5 maps that have been brought forward:

Dam

Forge Blitz (now just known as Forge)

Foundation

Harbor

Reclaimed

These
select Gears of War4 maps were added to Gears 5 to be used during the ELEAGUE
esports event to ensure competitive balance. Since then, we’ve heard the desire
from our Gears Esports community to focus entirely on the new Gears 5 Map
lineup. As per the
Official Map List for Gears Esports, these seven maps will be the focus of
competitive play.

Post-Launch

Gears 5 will have the biggest and most extensive post-launch
support in Gears history.

Brand new arena-style Maps and tiles will be introduced free
in future Operations, which we’ll talk about in much more detail in the weeks
to come.

In addition, we are also planning to update Map Builder to
support Versus and Horde – including new Versus focused tiles – as part of our
post-launch support. We can’t wait to see a future where our marquee brand new
map releases are married with the creative passion of the Gears community.

Throughout all 7 maps in the launch lineup, our goal has
been to deliver maps that have their own distinct personality, style and
elements to keep combat fresh map to map. We can’t wait for you to play them
this September and find your own favorites.